Water Quality Matters
- Temperature: Use lukewarm water for most flowers. Cold water for tulips and bulb flowers.
- Cleanliness: Always use a clean vase washed with hot, soapy water.
- Additives: Add flower food or make your own: 1 tsp sugar + 1 tsp bleach per quart of water.
- Change Often: Fresh water every 2-3 days prevents bacterial growth.
Cutting Techniques
- Angle Cut: Always cut at a 45-degree angle to increase water absorption surface area.
- Sharp Tools: Use sharp scissors or knife. Dull tools crush stems and block water uptake.
- Underwater Cutting: For best results, cut stems under running water to prevent air bubbles.
- Regular Trimming: Re-cut stems every 2-3 days to maintain water absorption.
Location Matters
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Heat accelerates wilting and fading.
- Keep Cool: Cooler temperatures slow down aging and bacterial growth.
- Away from Fruit: Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas which ages flowers faster.
- No Drafts: Avoid air conditioning vents, fans, and drafty windows.
- Away from Heat: Keep flowers away from radiators, fireplaces, and electronics.
Special Treatments
- Woody Stems: For flowers like lilac or hydrangea, lightly crush or split woody stems.
- Milky Sap: For poppies or poinsettias, sear cut ends with flame to seal sap.
- Wilted Flowers: Try shocking them: recut stems and place in hot water for 30 seconds, then cold water.
- Tight Buds: For roses with tight buds, gently blow warm air on blooms to help them open.
Signs Your Flowers Need Attention
- Cloudy water indicates bacterial growth - change immediately
- Drooping heads mean stems aren't absorbing water - recut stems
- Brown petal edges suggest too much heat or ethylene exposure
- Slimy stems need immediate cleaning and fresh water
- Yellowing leaves should be removed promptly
Make Your Own Flower Food
DIY Flower Food Recipe
Ingredients per 1 quart of water:
- 1 teaspoon sugar (feeds flowers)
- 1 teaspoon bleach (kills bacteria)
- 2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice (lowers pH)
Alternative: Use clear lemon-lime soda (1 part) mixed with water (3 parts) plus a few drops of bleach.
When to Say Goodbye
Even with the best care, all flowers eventually fade. Remove wilted or dead flowers from arrangements promptly - they release ethylene gas that ages remaining blooms faster. Individual flowers in a mixed arrangement will fade at different rates, so removing spent blooms helps the others last longer.
Consider drying flowers that are past their prime. Many flowers, like roses, lavender, and hydrangeas, dry beautifully and can be enjoyed for months.
